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Survival of cytomegalovirus in paper diapers and saliva
Abstract:
We studied the survival of human cytomegalovirus inoculated experimentally into saliva and urine-soaked paper diapers. Infectious virus could be recovered from saliva maintained at room temperature or 37 degrees C for up to 2 hours after inoculation. Cytomegalovirus survived in paper diapers for periods as long as 48 hours, with the quantity of virus in urine remaining relatively constant for the initial 12 hours. These observations provide further support for the concept that fomites may have a role in the transmission of cytomegalovirus infections.
Insights
Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) can survive for hours in saliva and up to 48 hours on diapers. This suggests contaminated surfaces (fomites) may play a role in CMV transmission.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus with potential health implications.
- Understanding CMV transmission routes is crucial for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the survival of infectious human cytomegalovirus (CMV) on fomites.
- To determine the viability of CMV in saliva and urine on paper diapers over time.
Main Methods:
- Experimental inoculation of human cytomegalovirus into saliva and urine.
- Incubation of contaminated saliva and urine-soaked paper diapers at room temperature and 37°C.
- Recovery of infectious virus from samples at various time points.
Main Results:
- Infectious CMV was recovered from saliva up to 2 hours post-inoculation at room temperature and 37°C.
- CMV survived on paper diapers for up to 48 hours.
- Viral load in urine on diapers remained relatively constant for the first 12 hours.
Conclusions:
- Fomites, such as saliva and urine-contaminated diapers, can harbor infectious CMV.
- These findings support the role of fomites in the environmental transmission of CMV infections.